By Jiang Zhiqiang

Dad’s Philosophy on Drinking

By Jiang Zhiqiang

Normally in Chinese liquor culture,the more liquor the guests drink,the happier the host would be;otherwise,the host would feel offended in some occasions.But if you really do not want to drink that much,what can you do? Here are my dad’s suggestions.

M y father takes a reception job in his company,and he has been dealing with alcohol for decades.In my memory,my father never got drunk,and has managed to keep a good relationship with his superiors and colleagues.

On the eve of the Spring Festival one year,his company was hosting a large banquet.The big boss was excited,holding up his glass,went around making toasts.As the staff couldn’t resist his enthusiasm,they all drank until their faces turned crimson red.At that time,everyone was eager to see how my dad would handle the“attack”from their boss.

My dad went beyond all expectations and took action first.He walked up to his boss,and whispered to him,“I was told that an inspection team would come today.Why don’t we drink less? You’ve drunk quite a lot,man.I’ll accompany you when the inspection team is here.”

Although he didn’t empty his glass toasting his boss,Dad still drank a little to show his respects.

Afterwards,the boss told my dad,“Thankfully I didn’t get drunk,otherwise something would definitely have gone wrong.”

“If you want to resist drinking too much with your boss,you need to rely on your true abilities,such as creating a convincing performance. Then if you want to drink less,your boss will understand.Otherwise,no matter how much alcohol you drink to toast your boss,he still will not appreciate your efforts.”

I think what he said makes sense. Due to his unique position,my dad always speaks and acts with caution;his superior is also satisfied with the work that my dad is in charge of.

My dad has also made quite a few friends.In every gathering with his friends,my dad always shouldered the responsibility of“l(fā)ogistics support.”Whenever it was his turn to drink,he never drank too much,only enough to show his respects. Moreover,he also tries to persuade his friends not to drink so much.If a friend of his drank too much,my dad would take them home in person,and give them a heart-warming call the next day.Over time,my dad earned the trust of others,and they all like to sit beside him at banquets.

How to deal with friends who are crazy about drinking?How to deal with friends who are skilled at persuading others to drink?Recently,I brought these tough issues that I had to face at banquets up with my father.

“Act according to circumstances,”Dad smiles,“and you should never drink when the situation tells you not to.You won’t please others if you drink too much,and you won’t offend them even if you don’t drink a lot.Interaction with others requires your moral quality rather than your liquor-drinking ability.”

(FromModern Family,January 8, 2016.Translation:Zhu Yaguang.)